ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER AT AN ABANDONED TIN MINING SITE IN BARKIN-LADI LGA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

The outrageous level of environmental degradation caused by the cruel mining activities accompanied by the unguided and incessant activities of artisanal miners instigates this researchwork. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the extents of heavy metals contamination on surface water and groundwater resulting from abandoned tin mining paddocks in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Three surface water (upstream, downstream and mine pond) and three groundwater from mined well constitutes the obtained water samples. The samples were tested and analyzed for heavy metals concentration such as Pb, Cr, As, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Fe. The result obtained of the surface water and groundwater samples were compared with the Federal Ministry of Environment water quality suitability standard for domestic use to ascertain implication of the findings. Findings from the study revealed that the heavy metal concentrations of all the water samples are within the limit set by the regulatory body for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ar and Fe. The study recommends among others that; the use of artisanal miners, especially children must be seriously discouraged to avoid long-term effects in the future